Automatic digital document processing

ABSTRACT

In a network of connected nodes, a system and method are provided for automatic digital document processing. The method comprises: embedding a processing profile with a digital document; and, processing the digital document in response to the embedded processing profile. Typically, embedding the processing profile includes generating a packet having a metadata section with the processing profile and a data section with the digital document. Then, processing the digital document includes a current node extracting current node process and routing instructions. In some aspects of the method, processing the digital document includes the current (first) node determining a next (second) network-connected node from the node routing instructions. Then, the method further comprises: sending the metadata section packet from the current (first) node to the next (second) node; and, receiving the packet at the current (second) node; and, processing the digital document at the current (second) node.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of a patent applicationentitled, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC DIGITAL DOCUMENT PROCESSING,invented by Boguslaw Plewnia, Ser. No. 10/253,112, filed Sep. 23, 2002,which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to document processing and, moreparticularly, to a system and method for embedding a digital documentwith instructions to be performed by networked document processingdevices

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, processing the digital contents of a document at someprocessing device or node, such as a printer, scanner, facsimile (FAX),multifunction processor (MFP), or the like, requires that the processingdevice be preset to perform a specific operation or sequence ofoperations. This predefined set of operations is necessarily performedon all documents or digital content reaching this particular device.Dynamically changing the way the digital content is processed requiresat least some human involvement in changing the settings of theprocessing device. Alternately stated, the processing knowledge, ordocument processing instructions, is directly associated with theprocessing device, since the device is preset for a specific operation.

With conventional document processing, a digital document can travelfrom point “A” to point “B”, where predefined operations are performed.Then, the document travels to point “C” for some additional predefinedprocessing. Any dynamic changes to the above processing flow aredifficult to implement. In situations where dynamic changes to theprocessing instructions are required, they must be implemented by ahuman operator. This type of dynamic processing is very costly, timeconsuming, inefficient, and prone to error.

It would be advantageous if processing instructions for a digitaldocument processor device could be dynamically updated in an easymanner.

It would be advantageous if processing instructions for a documentprocessor device could be network-communicated with the digital documentto be processed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a method that makes use of metadata tocommunicate electronic (digital) document processing steps and routinginstructions in a distributed environment or network. The metadata canbe used to describe document-specific detailed processing steps,processing operations, and routing instructions. The processinginstructions are directly attached to the digital document itself. Thatis, the processing instructions travel together with the digitaldocument through the network.

When a document is being scanned, for example on an enabled copier, thescanned image will have processing instructions, in the form ofmetadata, attached to it. In some aspects, the metadata is extensibleMarkup Language (XML) encoded. The attached metadata guides the documentthrough all desired processing steps automatically.

Accordingly, in a network of connected nodes, a method is provided forautomatic digital document processing. The method comprises: embedding aprocessing profile with a digital document; and, processing the digitaldocument in response to the embedded processing profile. Typically,embedding the processing profile includes generating a packet having ametadata section with the processing profile and a data section with thedigital document. Then, processing the digital document includes acurrent node extracting current node process and routing instructions.

In some aspects of the method, processing the digital document includesthe current (first) node determining a next (second) network-connectednode from the node routing instructions. Then, the method furthercomprises: sending the metadata section packet from the current (first)node to the next (second) node; receiving the packet at the current(second) node; and, processing the digital document at the current(second) node. In some aspects, processing the digital document at thecurrent (second) node includes: reading the processing profile in themetadata section; and, processing the digital document in response tothe process instructions in the processing profile.

Additional details of the above-described method, and a system forautomatic digital document processing in a network of connected devicesare presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the present invention system forautomatic digital document processing in a network-connected device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary packet format.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary present invention processflow.

FIG. 4 is a more complex example of present invention documentprocessing with a plurality of network-connected devices.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary present invention packet processing flowchart.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention method forautomatic digital document processing in a network of connected nodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the present invention system forautomatic digital document processing in a network-connected device. Thesystem 100 comprises a metadata processor 102 having a network-connectedinput on line 104 to accept a processing profile embedded with a digitaldocument. The metadata processor 102 has an output on line 106 to supplythe digital document and a processing profile. A document processor 108has an input connected to the metadata processor output on line 106, andan output on line 110 to supply a processed digital document in responseto the processing profile.

The metadata processor 102 accepts a packet with a metadata sectionincluding the processing profile, and a data section including thedigital document. The document processor 108 processes the digitaldocument in response to instructions in the metadata section processingprofile.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary packet format. As shown, in someaspects of the system the metadata processor accepts a packet metadatasection written in the extensible Markup Language (XML). However, themetadata section need not necessarily be XML encoded. The metadata canbe encoded in a either a well-known or proprietary language format.However, XML is the preferred language format. More specifically, themetadata processor typically accepts a packet including a beginningblock, prior to the processing profile and data section, and an endblock, subsequent to the processing profile and data section. However,other packet formats are possible.

The header or beginning block (segment 1) marks the beginning of thepackage (packet). It includes some basic maintenance and identificationinformation about the digital packet itself, such as information aboutthe originator, author, time-stamp when the original document wascreated, packet sequence number, etc. In some aspects (as shown), alldata in this block is encoded using XML.

The metadata block or processing profile (segment 2) includes all thebusiness logic relevant to the document. It also includes detailedprocessing and routing instructions for processing the attacheddocument. This block includes a list of all processing nodes (devices)along with node-specific processing instructions that are to be executedat each of the listed processing devices. The data in this block isencoded in XML. Again, however, other languages may be used in otheraspects of the invention.

The electronic document block or data section (segment 3) includes theactual data of the digital document. As this packet travels betweenprocessing nodes the content of this block will change. It is alsopossible, if metadata instructions permit it, to preserve the originaland/or intermediate versions of the document content. In such a case,this block may contain several versions of the original document. Themetadata information controls the content of this block. In most cases,the content of this block will be the most recent version of thedocument that has been created by the previous node. All binary data inthis block is enclosed within XML tags.

The trailer or end block (segment 4) marks the end of the package. Italso includes information that ensures document integrity. As shown, thedata in this block is encoded in XML. In other aspects of the invention,however, other languages may be used.

Returning to FIG. 1, the metadata processor 102 accepts the packet witha metadata section including process instructions cross-referenced todevice routing instructions. The metadata processor 102 extracts thecurrent processing profile associated with the (current) metadataprocessor address. Then, the document processor 108 processes thedigital document in response to the current processing profileinstructions.

In some aspects of the system 100, the metadata processor 102 accepts apacket metadata section with a plurality of process instructions and acorresponding plurality of routing instructions addressed to othernetwork-connected devices. The metadata processor 102 accepts theprocessed digital document from the document processor on line 110 andreassembles the packet with the processed digital document. The metadataprocessor 102 sends the packet to a next network-connected device online 112, in response to the routing instructions.

In other aspects, the metadata processor 102 accepts a packet metadatasection with a plurality of process instructions and a correspondingplurality of routing instructions addressed to other network-connecteddevices. The metadata processor 102 accepts the processed digitaldocument on line 110 from the document processor 108 and reassembles thepacket with the processed digital document. Then, the metadata processor102 sends the packet to a plurality of next network-connected devices online 112 in response to the routing instructions. That is, the packet issent to several network-connected devices (in parallel).

It should be understood that the elements of system 100 described abovemay be effectively enabled as a combination of nested software routinesand buffers in a memory location. However, the elements can also beenabled using hardware, or combinations of hardware and software.

More generally, the invention can be described as a system 150 forautomatic digital document processing in a network of connected devices.For example, the system 150 may include a first device 152 with ametadata processor 102 and document processor 108, as described indetail above in the explanation of system 100. As understood in thecontext of system 150, the first device metadata processor 102 acceptsthe processed digital document on line 110 from the document processor108 and reassembles the packet with the processed digital document.Then, the first device metadata processor 102 sends the packet to asecond network-connected device in response to the routing instructions.

The system 150 comprises at least a second device 154 including ametadata processor 156 having a network-connected input on line 158 toaccept a processing profile embedded with a digital document from thefirst device 152. The second device metadata processor 156 has an outputon line 160 to supply the digital document and a processing profile. Asecond device document processor 162 has an input connected to themetadata processor output on line 160 and an output on line 162 tosupply a processed digital document in response to the processingprofile. The present invention system 150 is not limited to anyparticular type of network communications format. Possible communicationformats include TCP/IP, wireless, and serial data communications, toname but a few.

In some aspects of the system 150, the first device metadata processor102 accepts a packet on line 104 additionally including third deviceprocess and routing instructions. The first device metadata processor102 sends a reassembled packet on line 112 with a metadata sectionincluding the third device process and routing instructions to thesecond device 154. Note that the packet may also include instructionsfor the second device 154. The second device metadata processor 156accepts the packet including third device process and routinginstructions on line 158. The second device metadata processor 156 sendsa reassembled packet on line 164 with a metadata section including thethird device process and routing instructions to a third device.

Then, the system 150 further comprises a third device 166 including ametadata processor 168 having a network-connected input on line 170 toaccept a processing profile embedded with a digital document from thesecond device 154. The third device metadata processor 168 has an outputon line 172 to supply the digital document and a processing profile. Athird device document processor 174 has an input connected to themetadata processor output on line 172 and an output on line 176 tosupply a processed digital document in response to the processingprofile. In other aspects, the reassembled packet to sent to a nextdevice for further document processing.

In some aspects, the first device metadata processor 102 modifies thesecond device processing profile and sends the modified processingprofile with the processed digital document in the reassembled packet online 112. Although only the first device 150 has been discussed, otherdevices in the network possess the capability of modifying theprocessing instructions to subsequent devices. For example, if the firstdevice 150 is unable to operate a particular instruction, due perhaps toa mechanical malfunction or memory limitation for example, the missingoperation can be added to the processing instructions of the nextdevice. Note that the system is not necessarily symmetrical. That is,not every device in the system is necessarily capable of changing theprocessing instructions. Neither is every device in the systemnecessarily capable of performing a process added or changed in theinstructions by a previous device.

Although only three network-connected devices are shown, it should beunderstood that the present invention system 150 is not limited to anyparticular number of devices. Generally, the system 150 comprises aplurality of devices, where each device includes a metadata processorand document processor, as described above. In some aspects of thesystem, the first device metadata processor 102, for example, can sendthe reassembled packet to the plurality of devices (in parallel) inresponse to routing instructions.

Functional Description

The present invention system and method provide a generic mechanism forautomating the processing of electronic documents. The processinginformation for a digital document is directly included in the packetand it is provided in form of XML encoded instructions, referred toherein as metadata. These processing and routing instructions “travel”with the digital document from one processing device to another. Thedocument processing may occur in one or more physical locations, sincethe document itself includes the metadata information.

This metadata information tells the processing device the operationsthat are to be performed to the attached digital document, and what todo with the package after all the processing steps have been performed.This flexibly allows for a very dynamic usage of a processing device.The metadata information also provides decision-making infrastructurethat assists the processing device in decision-making process inabnormal cases. The present invention greatly reduces the involvement ofa human in the process and increases the document process automationlevels.

At any given processing device, the metadata information that isdestined for that device is extracted and a set of requested operationsare performed on the document. It is possible to execute differentprocessing sequences, for different documents, automatically at the sameprocessing station, without any direct human involvement in the process,thus achieving much higher degree of automation and flexibility. The enduser and/or the system administrator typically create the processing androuting instructions in advance. These instructions are selected by theuser at the time of the process instantiation.

The XML language and XML schemas makes it possible to create a genericinfrastructure for efficient and intelligent digital content processing,and at the same time, to minimize the involvement of a human factor inthe process. The use of XML enables the development of generic digitalcontent processing nodes (devices). The processing nodes can be eitherhardware or software type nodes. Further, XML enables 3^(rd) partyproviders to build open systems.

The processing instructions, or the metadata, are an integral part ofthe electronic document. The invention makes use of the existingnetworking infrastructure and existing protocols for transporting adigital document from one processing node to another. XML metadatainformation is used for describing a sequence of desired processingoperations and routing instructions for a digital document. Themetadata, as well as the digital document, travel together as one unit,from one processing node to another, as shown in FIG. 2.

Each processing device parses the metadata block for its particularprocessing instructions. Once the instructions are found, the processingdevice executes only the relevant metadata instructions. When finished,the processing device updates the packet and forwards it to one or moredestinations as defined in the metadata block routing instructions.

When the processing reaches the final destination, the metadata for thatdevice may contain instructions to drop the metadata block completely,so that only the final document data reaches the final destination. Themetadata information is attached to the electronic document at the timeof document creation and may be updated/enhanced or even removed inresponse to one or more processing steps on the way to the finaldestination. In other words, it is not a mandatory that the metadataremains unchanged for the duration of document processing operations.

The processing device typically includes software that is capable ofexecuting the present invention algorithm. Each processing device mustbe able to execute system-wide type commands, generic commands that areunderstood and executable by network-connected processing devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary present invention processflow. The figure depicts a very simple case where digital content isprocessed at two locations. Process “A”, in this example enabled by acopier device, initiates the processing by creating the digitaldocument. It then executes image processing function “SHARPEN” on theoriginal digital document. The purpose of this step could be to removeany noise data that could be found in the document. This device thendelivers the document to the next stage and generates a notificationevent.

When the packet arrives at the delivery address node “B”, which could bea software process running on the PC, a new thread begins execution.Metadata instructions direct this device to extract the digital documentout of the packet and save it locally.

FIG. 4 is a more complex example of present invention documentprocessing with a plurality of network-connected devices. In thisexample, several processing devices are involved in document processing.Devices (nodes) “A” and “D” are specified by the end user. Theadministrator in this example has imposed some additional rules on theuse of the processing device “A”, by mandating that the output of theprocessing device “A” always be directed to processing device “B” forsome system processing. In this example the administrator has created anautomatic archiving process for all documents processed at device “A”.Although four devices are shown, there is no particular limitation tothe number of devices that may be networked together.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary present invention packet processing flowchart.Each of the numbered processing steps in the figure is described below:STEP DESCRIPTION 1 Start - this is the entry point into the algorithm. 2Receive Packet - the receiving device verifies that the received packetconforms to the packet format definition and that no data has been lostduring the transfer. If a security protocol is used, authentication andvalidation of the user credentials occurs. 3 Find “ME” in the metadatablock - that is, find instructions addressed to this device. Theprocessing device extracts the relevant metadata from the metadatablock. Instructions that are destined for other devices are ignored. 4If found - check that a metadata block destined for this processingdevice has been found. Failure to find a metadata block with specificinstructions for this processing node is considered a fatal errorcondition. 5 Post the Error Condition -this error condition is posted tothe system/user. 6 Failure Exit - this is the exit point out of thealgorithm in case of an error condition is encountered. 7 Find PointerTo Current Data Block - verify that there is data block valid forprocessing by this processing node. Failure to find a data block isconsidered a fatal error condition. 8 If found - check that there is atleast one valid data block for this processing node. Failure to find adata block is considered a fatal error condition 9 Parse “MY” Block. GetNext Command - parse through the list of commands pre-assigned for thisprocessing node. Execute. 10 If successful - in cases when there is nonew instruction found, exit the processing algorithm via Step 13. 11Execute Command - try to execute the command. In case of a faultcondition, a proper error condition is posted to the rest of the systemvia Step 5. 12 If successful - if a current command execution iscompleted successfully, the execution flow is directed back to Step 9.13 Successful EXIT - this is the exit point from the algorithm when nofatal error conditions have been encountered. Please note that this stepdoes not forward the packet to the next processing stage. It has alreadybeen done, if required, as one of the commands executed in Step 11.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention method forautomatic digital document processing in a network of connected nodes.Although the method is depicted as a sequence of numbered steps forclarity, no order should be inferred from the numbering unlessexplicitly stated. It should be understood that some of these steps maybe skipped, performed in parallel, or performed without the requirementof maintaining a strict order of sequence. The method starts at Step600.

Step 602 generates a processing profile. Step 604 embeds the processingprofile generated in Step 602 with a digital document. Step 606processes the digital document in response to the embedded processingprofile.

In some aspects of the method, embedding the processing profile with adigital document in Step 604 includes generating a packet having ametadata section with the processing profile and a data section with thedigital document. Then, processing the digital document in response tothe embedded processing profile in Step 606 includes a current nodeextracting current node process and routing instructions.

In other aspects, embedding the processing profile with a digitaldocument in Step 604 includes creating a metadata section with theprocessing profile written in the extensible markup language (XML). Insome aspects, generating a packet having a metadata section with theprocessing profile and a data section with the digital document in Step604 includes generating a beginning block, prior to the processingprofile and data section, and an end block, subsequent to the processingprofile and data section.

In some aspects of the method, processing the digital document inresponse to the embedded processing profile in Step 606 includes acurrent (first) node determining a next (second) network-connected nodefrom the node routing instructions. Then, the method comprises furthersteps. Step 608 sends the metadata section packet from the current(first) node to the next (second) node. Step 610 receives the packet atthe current (second) node. Step 612 processes the digital document atthe current (second) node.

In other aspects, processing the digital document at the current(second) node in Step 612 includes substeps. Step 612 a reads theprocessing profile in the metadata section. Step 612 b identifiesprocess instructions associated with the current (second) node. Step 612c processes the digital document with the (identified) processinstructions.

In some aspects, processing the digital document at the current (second)node in Step 612 includes determining a next (third) network-connectednode from the node routing instructions. Then, the method comprisesfurther steps. Step 614 sends the metadata section packet from thecurrent (second) node to the next (third) node. Step 616 receives thepacket at the current (third) node. Step 618 processes the digitaldocument at the current (third) node.

In some aspects of the method, processing the digital document inresponse to the embedded processing profile in Step 606 includesdetermining a plurality next network-connected nodes from the noderouting instructions. Then, sending a packet with the digital documentand embedded processing profile addressed to the next node in Step 608includes sending the packet to the plurality of nodes.

Some aspects of the method include further steps. Step 607, subsequentto processing the digital document at the current (first) node, modifiesthe process instructions in the embedded processing profile for the next(second) node. Sending the metadata section packet from the current(first) node to the next (second) node in Step 608 includes sending themodified process instructions. Then, processing the digital document atthe current (second) node in Step 612 includes processing the digitaldocument with the modified process instructions.

A system and method has been provided for automatically processingdigital documents in a network of connected devices (nodes). A fewexamples have been given of specific implementations, however, theinvention is not limited to merely these examples. Although theinvention has been described as including XML coded metadata, theinvention is not limited to any particular language. Neither is theinvention limited to any particular network communication format. Othervariations and embodiments of the invention will occur to those skilledin the art.

1. In a network of connected nodes, a method for automatic digitaldocument processing, the method comprising: embedding a processingprofile with a digital document at an originating node; sending thedigital document to a first node; extracting first node processinstructions and node routing instructions from the processing profile;and, processing the digital document in response to the processinstructions.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein embedding the processingprofile with a digital document includes generating a packet having ametadata section with the processing profile and a data section with thedigital document.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The method of claim 2 whereinembedding the processing profile with a digital document includescreating a metadata section with the processing profile written in theextensible markup language (XML).
 5. The method of claim 2 furthercomprising: determining a second network-connected node from the noderouting instructions; sending the metadata section packet from the firstnode to the second node; receiving the packet at the second node; and,processing the digital document at the second node.
 6. The method ofclaim 5 wherein processing the digital document at the second nodeincludes: reading the processing profile in the metadata section; and,processing the digital document in response to the process instructionsin the processing profile.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein processingthe digital document at the second node includes: reading the processingprofile in the metadata section; identifying process instructionsassociated with the second node; and, processing the digital documentwith the identified process instructions.
 8. The method of claim 6further comprising: determining a third network-connected node from thenode routing instructions; sending the metadata section packet fromsecond node to the third node; receiving the packet at the third node;and, processing the digital document at the third node.
 9. The method ofclaim 5 wherein determining the second node from the node routinginstructions includes determining a plurality next network-connectednodes from the node routing instructions; and, wherein sending a packetwith the digital document and embedded processing profile addressed tothe second node includes sending the packet to the plurality of nodes.10. The method of claim 5 further comprising: subsequent to processingthe digital document at the first node, modifying the processinstructions in the embedded processing profile for the second node;wherein sending the metadata section packet from the first node to thesecond node includes sending the modified process instructions; and,wherein processing the digital document at the second node includesprocessing the digital document with the modified process instructions.11. The method 1 further comprising: generating a processing profile;and, wherein embedding a processing profile with a digital documentincludes embedding the generated processing profile.
 12. The method ofclaim 2 wherein generating a packet having a metadata section with theprocessing profile and a data section with the digital document includesgenerating a beginning block, prior to the processing profile and datasection, and an end block, subsequent to the processing profile and datasection.
 13. In a network-connected device, a system for automaticdigital document processing, the system comprising: a metadata processorhaving a network-connected input to accept a processing profile,including processing instructions cross-referenced to device routinginstructions, embedded with a digital document and an output to supplythe digital document and a processing profile; and, a document processorhaving an input connected to the metadata processor output, and anoutput to supply a processed digital document in response to theprocessing instructions.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein the metadataprocessor accepts a packet with a metadata section including theprocessing profile, and a data section including the digital document;and, wherein the document processor processes the digital document inresponse to instructions in the metadata section processing profile. 15.The system of claim 14 wherein the metadata processor has a firstaddress and accepts a packet with a metadata section from an originatingdevice, the metadata processor extracting a first device processingprofile associated with the metadata processor first address; and,wherein the document processor processes the digital document inresponse to the first device processing profile instructions.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15 wherein the metadata processor accepts a packetmetadata section with a plurality of process instructions and acorresponding plurality of routing instructions addressed to othernetwork-connected devices; and, wherein the metadata processor acceptsthe processed digital document from the document processor, reassemblesthe packet with the processed digital document and sends the packet to asecond network-connected device in response to the routing instructions.17. The system of claim 15 wherein the metadata processor accepts apacket metadata section with a plurality of process instructions and acorresponding plurality of routing instructions addressed to othernetwork-connected devices; and, wherein the metadata processor acceptsthe processed digital document from the document processor, reassemblesthe packet with the processed digital document and sends the packet to aplurality of network-connected devices in response to the routinginstructions.
 18. The system of claim 15 wherein the metadata processoraccepts a packet metadata section written in the extensible markuplanguage (XML).
 19. The system of claim 15 wherein the metadataprocessor accepts a packet including a beginning block, prior to theprocessing profile and data section, and an end block, subsequent to theprocessing profile and data section.
 20. In a network of connecteddevices, a system for automatic digital document processing, the systemcomprising: a first device including: a metadata processor having anetwork-connected input to accept a processing profile, with processinginstructions cross-referenced to device routing instructions, embeddedwith a digital document and an output to supply the digital document andprocessing instructions; a document processor having an input connectedto the metadata processor output, and an output to supply a processeddigital document in response to the processing instructions; and,wherein the metadata processor accepts the processed digital documentfrom the document processor, reassembles the packet with the processeddigital document and sends the packet to a second network-connecteddevice in response to the routing instructions; at least a second deviceincluding: a metadata processor having a network-connected input toaccept a processing profile embedded with a digital document from thefirst device and an output to supply the digital document and processinginstructions; a document processor having an input connected to themetadata processor output, and an output to supply a processed digitaldocument in response to the processing instructions.
 21. The system ofclaim 20 wherein the first device metadata processor accepts a packetadditionally including third device process and routing instructions andsends a reassembled packet with a metadata section including the thirddevice process and routing instructions to the second device; whereinthe second device metadata processor accepts the packet including thirddevice process and routing instructions and sends a reassembled packetwith a metadata section including the third device process and routinginstructions to a third device; and the system further comprising: athird device including: a metadata processor having a network-connectedinput to accept a processing profile embedded with a digital documentfrom the second device and an output to supply the digital document andprocessing instructions; and, a document processor having an inputconnected to the metadata processor output, and an output to supply aprocessed digital document in response to the processing instructions.22. The system of claim 20 wherein the first device metadata processormodifies the second device processing profile and sends the modifiedprocessing profile with the processed digital document in thereassembled packet.
 23. The system of claim 20 further comprising aplurality of devices, each device including: a metadata processor havinga network-connected input to accept a processing profile embedded with adigital document and an output to supply the digital document andprocessing instructions; a document processor having an input connectedto the metadata processor output, and an output to supply a processeddigital document in response to the processing instructions; and,wherein the first device metadata processor sends the reassembled packetto the plurality of devices in response to routing instructions.
 24. Thesystem of claim 20 wherein the first device metadata processor accepts apacket metadata section written in the extensible markup language (XML)sends a reassembled packet metadata section written in XML.